MacTain dashboard running on macOS with a Mac mini in front.
MacTain logoMacTain

Native macOS container management

Run containerslike they belongon your Mac.

MacTain is a native macOS app for Apple Silicon that makes container management fast, efficient, and actually pleasant.

View Pricing
  • $60/year
  • 14-day trial
  • SwiftUI GUI
  • Engine + CLI
  • Apple Containerization
  • Blueprints

Everything you need to run your containers on macOS

MacTain brings together a native app, a purpose-built engine, and practical migration tools for Apple Silicon container workflows.

SwiftUI App

A native macOS control surface for everyday container, image, volume, log, and filesystem work.

Engine + CLI

A purpose-built engine with CLI access for repeatable workflows, automation, and precise operations.

Blueprints

Group containers, volumes, networks, and configuration into reviewable app definitions.

Compose Converter

Import Docker Compose files into MacTain Blueprint drafts you can review and refine.

Inspection Workflows

Inspect containers, images, volumes, logs, filesystem state, and resource usage from one place.

Resource Insights

Track CPU, memory, disk, and network posture so workloads are easier to understand.

Image Monitoring

Watchtower-like monitoring can check selected images, refresh updates, and optionally restart in-scope containers.

Docker API Shim

Beta

Opt-in Docker API and docker.sock compatibility for selected local workflows; not a full Docker daemon replacement.

Why Apple Containerization changes everything

MacTain is built on Apple's Containerization direction instead of hiding every workload behind one opaque desktop VM.

Layered Apple Containerization stack for MacTain containers.

Apple Silicon efficiency

A native foundation designed for Apple Silicon container workflows.

Lightweight VM direction

Container isolation follows Apple's lightweight VM model rather than a generic always-on desktop VM.

Native macOS foundation

The app, engine, and CLI are designed around Mac-first container operations.

Fewer opaque layers

MacTain exposes practical control surfaces instead of making the VM boundary the product.

How MacTain compares

A side-by-side look at default workflows. These are positioning notes, not benchmark claims.

WorkflowMacTainDocker DesktopOrbStackColimaApple container
Default experienceNative macOS appCross-platform desktop appNative macOS appCLI-firstCLI / API foundation
Container runtime / foundationMacTain Engine + Apple ContainerizationDocker Engine with containerd and runc internalsDocker Engine with containerd and runc internalsDocker or containerd via LimaApple container + Containerization
VM modelApple Containerization lightweight VMsLinux VMLightweight Linux VMLima VMApple Containerization lightweight VMs
Primary use caseHomelab users and developersGeneral Docker developmentLocal development environmentsLightweight CLI container setupsFoundation for container apps
GUI experienceNative MacTain appDocker DesktopOrbStack appNo primary GUINo primary GUI
Image / update workflowImage monitoring and scoped restartsManual or external automationManual or external automationManual or external automationManual or external automation
Stack DefinitionTOML BlueprintsYAML ComposeYAML ComposeYAML ComposeN/A

Check official project docs for the latest feature details.

Pricing

$60/year

$5/month equivalent

Billed annually. Cancel before renewal to avoid the next yearly charge.

View pricing

Download

The MacTain download will be available here when the public release is ready.

Support

For MacTain or subscription help, email support@mactain.com.

Contact support

Planned direction

Roadmap items we are exploring for future MacTain releases.

Curated Blueprints

A library of curated Blueprints for popular homelab apps and services.

Roadmap

VM Management

Manage lightweight VMs alongside containers for mixed workloads.

Roadmap

Dynamic Memory Reclamation

Define memory-aware restart behavior so MacTain can cleanly restart containers as they approach their allocated memory cap.

Roadmap

Roadmap direction may change based on feedback and priorities.

Subscriber information

Clear purchase, privacy, terms, and cancellation information for MacTain subscribers.

Privacy

No analytics, tracking pixels, or public contact forms. Support is handled by email. Payments are handled by Paddle.

Terms

MacTain is provided by BSP Technologies LLC for individual annual subscribers on macOS. Access requires an active subscription, trial, or approved grant.

Refunds & Cancellations

Refund requests are handled by Paddle and may be submitted within 14 days of purchase. Cancel before renewal to avoid the next yearly charge; paid access continues through the current term.